Before I discuss the forecast, I wanted to mention that the showers and thunderstorms that moved through parts of SE VA and NE NC early Friday morning were quite impressive given the time of day. The frontal system that caused the wet weather was very weak and actually stalled out. It’s interesting how some of the weaker frontal systems bring storms to our region even in the relatively stable morning hours, while occasionally a strong cold front doesn’t bring much rain at all. even if it comes through in the afternoon and evening. It all depends on the atmospheric conditions such as available moisture, upper-level dynamics, etc.

Now, for the weather ahead. Well, we now have a Bermuda high pressure area, which is pumping a southwesterly flow into the region. (Winds blow clockwise around high pressure areas in the northern hemisphere). High temperatures are expected to reach the low 90’s today (Saturday). The record high temperature at Norfolk International Airport is 92 for April 29th. Sunday should be a similar day, maybe just a tad cooler. On Monday, a cold front will be approaching but it should remain dry during the daylight hours. Showers and thunderstorms are expected later Monday night into Tuesday morning. The timing of the rain and the frontal passage may change so stay tuned. Then, behind the front, temperatures will return to more seasonal levels. The average high temperature for this time of year is 71 degrees.

This month is turning out to be one of the warmest Aprils that we’ve ever had. The warmest April on record was back in 1994.

Well, enjoy your weekend and if you are working outdoors, make sure you stay hydrated.

Parts of the area had some showers overnight Friday night but the big rains are coming Sunday and Monday. A frontal system will slowly move through Hampton Roads today (Saturday) and our winds will shift to the north later this afternoon. After a warm and muggy start with some sunshine, temperatures will drop once the front comes through later today. Showers and thunderstorms may accompany the frontal passage this afternoon and evening and there is a small chance of severe storms in some localized areas. Large hail and strong winds are the primary concerns. Then, low pressure is expected to develop along the frontal boundary that will stall to our south. This low will move very slowly and will keep us in a wet weather pattern possibly through Tuesday. Some heavy rain is possible Sunday and Monday. The exact timing of the heaviest rain is not certain. No flood watches have been issued by the NWS as of this writing due to anticipated breaks in the rainfall. However, localized flooding is possible with any heavy rainstorm that may develop. The low pressure area will be slow to move away on Tuesday and Wednesday. Drier and warmer conditions are expected later next week.

We already had our first tropical cyclone develop in the North Atlantic basin even though we are over five weeks before the official start of hurricane season, which is June 1st. Tropical Storm Arlene developed at a relatively high latitude and was no threat to land.